![]() ![]() 405: Spartans held Declea, a few miles from Athens Lystander, Spartan admiral, supported by Persia was preparing to attack the Athenian fleet Arginusae (Athenians sank 75 enemy ships – but everything had gone wrong, survivors not been picked up, 50 enemy ships had got away and 12 disabled Athenian ships – Athenian assembly condemned to death 6 of 8 commanders in an illegal vote – shortcomings of democratic system) Sparta receiving effective support from Persia – Athens very short of money to build and man ships – silver coinage disappeared from circulation emergency coins from metlted down gold plating of the Victory statues on the Parthenon taxation of allies less two sponsors required for plays now due to lack of funds What was the state of Athenian democracy at this time and why do you say that? Opposition to the rule of the people gathered ground favoured by upper and middle classes who favoured an oligarchy – 411 group of oligarchs led by Antiphon and others set up a council of 400 to administer the state (Assembly of 5000 planned)l democracy restored in 410 and many of these deprived of citizenship reduced moderate vote in the assembly and enfranchisement of slaves that had fought in Arginusae- after Arginusae, Spartans had offered to vacate Declea but the extreme war mongerers like Cleophon had persuaded the council to turn the off er down – many of the allied cities which had been contributing to the cost of the war were now in enemy hands – funds were running out – upper classes being taxed to the hilt – everything of gold and silver was being melted down – noone could provide a chorus for the Frogs – the job had to be shared – Alcibiades but he didn’t trust the people’s regimeįor decades, dominated by Sophocles and Euripides – both died 406 Situation probably not as bad as stated but revival of old plays in Dionysia & not many, if any, good tragedians left in 405!Ħ Frogs: The plot themes Descent to the underworld & resurrection of the great men of the past – provides the overall framework of the plot – 9/10 of the action set in Hades Dionysus as anti hero – theme developed on Dionysus’s journey although the burlesque characterisation ends mid play How many times was the play performed? Twice, once in 405 and once in 404 What was happening at the time of the performance of this play? Note key historical points. When was this play performed and at what festival? 405 Lenaia festival by Philonides (produced Wasps and Amphiaraus). What was the state of Athenian democracy at this time and why do you say that?ģ Historical background: Frogs: Asnwers in note form! When was this play performed and at what festival? How many times was the play performed? What was happening at the time of the performance of this play? Note key historical points.
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